On Tuesday, April 30, I was able to witness another type of dentist procedure. One patient was receiving a bridge delivery, which is when a dentist replaces a missing or infected tooth with artificial ones. The patient I watched had broken and infecting looking teeth. At first, the dentist took out the temporary teeth out and put the new/bridge teeth over the broken one. Unlike the temporary teeth, the bridge implant had metal in it. The dentist also uses this molding tool so they will be able to find the right size for the temporary and bridge implant. However, the bridge did look very artificial compared to her real teeth but nonetheless, the patient's smile was beautiful! The procedure also looked very painful because the patient would constantly tense up and her gums would bleed. I was also able to help Dr. Yamat with the x-rays. Although my only task was to press the button, I was really excited because I actually felt useful for once. Aside from the new things I learned that day, I also witnessed a patient receive a filling, general cleaning, and a patient getting her braces tightened. What I noticed about the patient getting her braces tightened was that it was really different compared to the way I got my braces tightened. Dr. Yamat would take off her wires and give her a general cleaning. I asked if it was a cleaning but she told me she was just getting her braces tightened. I thought it was really cool because she would actually clean her teeth whereas when I got my braces tightened, they would just replace the wire and I would be done.
I honestly can't wait to go back a few more times before this project is done. I'm learning so much! I still have a lot of questions to ask but nonetheless, I'm starting to find dentistry a lot more enjoyable than I imagined.
Total: 3.5 Hours
Running Total: 24 Hours
No comments:
Post a Comment